A Wildflower Meadow
A wildflower meadow can be a pleasing site for almost any type of backyard. Nature produces the seeds every Fall that will sprout during Spring in order to create a wildflower meadow. The time to plant those wildflower seeds is during the Fall and Winter.
If you live In the Northeast, Rockies, or the Midwest, the cold winter areas of the United States, it needs a dormant planting of the wildflower seeds. In other words you can start planting your seeds after a killer frost but before the ground freezes. If this is done your planted seed will be blooming approximately two weeks sooner than the seeds that are planted in the spring.
If you are planting in deep Southern Texas, South Florida, the Southwest or much of Southern California, the frost free areas, you can most likely plant well into the Winter months. Some wildflower experts from California say you can plant wildflower seeds starting in October and continue into January; it is always better to be sure the seeds are planted ahead of the rainy season. If planting seeds in the South you want to use the same method as for the cold winter sections of the country. You just do not have to wait as long for the seed to bloom. If your ground does freeze the wildflower seeds sprout and grow during the early days of Spring.
It is an excellent idea to hoe the soil to remove any grasses or weeds in the area where you want to plant wildlfower seeds. Your meadow area should be sunny to partial shade. The mixes of wildflower seeds should be native to your particular area. You will want to spread the seed over your garden or meadow area and gently rake it in. You can also follow the wildflower seed packet directions for planting and then water the area well.
Since the seed you have chosen will be native to your area you will not have to spend much time fertilizing and watering. What that really means is that those wildflower seeds already live in your area do not need to have any more rain than they usually get in a season. It will not hurt your field of wildflowers to have the extra fertilizer and water it just means they will bloom for a longer time. To be sure things do not dry out, you will want to water morning and night. Be sure your sprinklers just give a fine shower, this way the seeds will remain in the same place during sprouting. Once the wildflower seeds start sprouting and are 4 inches tall they should not need water unless they start to wilt or the ground gets very dry. Basically, these are the only gardening tips you will need to follow because the rest comes natural for these native plants.
Wildflowers are just some of the native plants you have in your meadow; you can also plant native shrubs, berry plants, ferns, or any other plant that is native to your area. You just need some research for your area to see what plants are native and pick the ones that will compliment your particular wildflower meadow. After your wildflower meadow is finished blooming you can mow it down to about 4 to 6 inches. This will keep the meadow looking clean and the seeds have already been spread out and are ready for next year. This practice will also keep most woody weeds away from your meadow.
About the Author
Barbara E. Volkov and her husband enjoy working in and around their garden. They enjoy learning new things and want to share with others. Just think how tranquil a meadow in the backyard would be. They want to share their findings so visit their website Gardeners Garden Supplies for more interesting gardening ideas.